Familiar Ford Ranger skin hides big tech changes for 2018

FORD has finally unveiled the much-hyped update to the Ranger and, at first glance, it's hard to see what the fuss is all about.

The new-for-2018 Ford Ranger looks largely unchanged from the model already on sale in Australia - the body is the same since launch seven years ago.

It was unveiled at the Detroit motor show overnight where the Ranger is due to go into production for the first time since 2011.

The Michigan assembly line will be the fourth factory in the world to build the Ranger, including South Africa, Argentina and Thailand, where Australian models are sourced.

The new Ranger is due in Australian showrooms mid year: should buyers wait or drive a bargain on a runout model?

The visual changes are subtle but include a new grille, front bumper and tailgate along with an opening rear window and a tow hitch that's tucked under the rear bumper.

The Ford Ranger gets a new nose and new tech for 2018.

Technology changes include automatic emergency braking and blind zone warning (with large sensors in the corner of the tail-lights) to be added to the current Ranger's radar cruise control and lane keeping assistance.

In the US the Ranger comes with power from the Ford Mustang Ecoboost - the turbo 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol matched to a 10-speed auto.

New tailgate, new tail-lights and a new rear window on the 2018 Ford Ranger. The tow hitch is tucked away now, too.

Engines in Australia are yet to be confirmed but given buyer preference for diesel it's likely the new Ranger will power on with the old 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesels.

Unconfirmed reports claim the flagship Ranger Raptor will be powered by a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel matched to a 10-speed auto in Australia.

It means the toughest and most expensive Ford Ranger will have one of the smallest engines in the ute category at a time when rivals are beefing up their engine line-ups.

The Ford Ranger has just been revealed in Detroit ahead of the North American International Auto Show.

Volkswagen is understood to be preparing a more powerful version of its 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel for its top of the range Amarok - and planning to replace the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with the TDV6 in the cheapest models.

The Mercedes X-Class ute is about to launch with twin-turbo 2.3-litre diesel power in Australia - shared with the Nissan Navara on which it is based - but a powerful 3.0-litre TDV6 will join the line-up mid year.